Production Scheduling Manager

The Opportunity:

The Manager, Production Scheduling is responsible for leading the production planning and scheduling function for a large-scale poultry manufacturing facility. This role oversees the development and execution of production plans that balance customer demand, operational capacity, inventory, and cost while supporting overall business performance.

The successful candidate combines strong analytical capability, operational expertise, and leadership skills to translate complex demand and supply signals into executable production plans. Working closely with Operations, Finance, Commercial, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams, this role plays a key part in optimizing plant performance, supporting strategic initiatives, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization.

This position also leads and develops a team of production planners, fostering collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and planning excellence.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by August 03. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount
Compensation: $96, - $, CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive

The above compensation reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible to participate in Maple Leaf’s annual short-term incentive plan.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

Production Planning & Business Optimization

• Lead the development and execution of daily, weekly, and long-range production schedules for a complex manufacturing operation.
• Balance customer demand, plant capacity, inventory, labour availability, and cost to achieve service and financial objectives.
• Identify production constraints and implement mitigation strategies to optimize throughput, utilization, and operational performance.
• Ensure production plans align with business priorities, demand forecasts, and network requirements.

Data Analytics & Decision Support

• Develop and maintain reporting, planning, and analytical tools that provide visibility into production performance, capacity utilization, and operational constraints.
• Leverage SAP, Power BI, Excel, and other analytical tools to support decision-making and improve planning effectiveness.
• Translate operational, commercial, and financial data into actionable business insights.
• Support strategic planning through forecasting, scenario modelling, and capacity analysis.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Procurement, Sales, and Commercial teams to align production plans and business priorities.
• Facilitate informed decision-making during supply disruptions, demand fluctuations, capacity constraints, and service risks.
• Drive alignment between operational execution and broader business objectives.
• Serve as the primary planning representative for the facility, providing recommendations and updates to leadership teams.

People Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of production planners and scheduling professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Build organizational planning capability through process standardization, coaching, and continuous learning.
• Support succession planning and cross-training to ensure business continuity.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve planning processes, systems, data quality, and reporting capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce waste, and enhance service performance.
• Champion best practices in production scheduling, forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
• Support the implementation of technology and system enhancements that improve planning effectiveness.

What You’ll Bring:

• Progressive experience in production planning, scheduling, supply chain, manufacturing, or operations.
• Proven experience leading teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success balancing operational execution with strategic business objectives.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and analytical tools such as Power BI and advanced Excel.
• Food manufacturing experience is considered an asset.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and demonstrated leadership capability.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.